Moissanite Pros and Cons
What you should know before choosing moissanite jewelry.
Moissanite pros
Strong brilliance and fire
Moissanite returns a lot of light and is known for colorful flashes.
More size for the budget
A larger moissanite generally costs much less than a natural diamond with similar face-up dimensions.
Good for everyday jewelry
Moissanite is hard enough for regular wear. Our guide on wearing moissanite every day explains when taking a ring off makes sense.
It should not permanently turn cloudy from age
Soap, lotion and oils can make a stone look dull, but that is usually surface buildup. See why moissanite can look cloudy.
Many shapes and sizes are available
Round, oval, pear, radiant, cushion, emerald and princess cuts give buyers plenty of choice.
Moissanite cons
It is not a diamond
This is only a disadvantage if owning a diamond matters to you. Moissanite is silicon carbide. Diamond is carbon.
The rainbow fire can be too much for some buyers
Some people love moissanite’s colorful flashes. Others prefer the more familiar appearance of diamond.
Quality is not consistent across every seller
Cut, polish, proportions and jewelry construction vary.
Carat-equivalent labels can be confusing
Actual millimeter dimensions give you a better idea of visible size. Use our moissanite size chart when comparing stones.
Moissanite vs diamond: which tradeoffs matter?
Diamond is harder and has traditional diamond light performance. Moissanite usually gives you more visible size for less money and stronger colorful fire.
Our full moissanite vs diamond comparison covers price, appearance, durability and testing in more detail.
Are the pros worth the cons?
For buyers who like the look of moissanite, the balance is strong. It is durable enough for regular jewelry and lets you choose larger stones without moving into natural-diamond pricing.
The MOISS & ICE engagement ring collection shows moissanite in different shapes, settings and metal options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest downside of moissanite?
For many diamond-focused shoppers, it is simply that moissanite is not diamond and has a different light pattern.
Does moissanite look cheap?
A well-cut stone in a good setting does not automatically look cheap. Poor proportions, weak settings or low-quality finishing can make any jewelry look less refined.
Is moissanite good for daily wear?
Yes. Its hardness makes it suitable for rings and other frequently worn jewelry.
The bottom line
The best reason to buy moissanite is that you like moissanite. Its price, durability and size options are strong benefits, but the stone’s appearance should still be the deciding factor.